Zeina Alkurdi

I originally started my undergraduate career wanting to become a mental health nurse practitioner, but around my sophomore year, I decided to pursue a degree in exercise and health sciences. What fascinated me was not just the kinesiology and sports medicine aspects, but how the psychological side of exercise science impacts behavioral health and mental health, including areas like eating disorders and behavioral change. The more research I did following my graduation, the more I realized this was something I really wanted to pursue, not just on a local level, but on a policy and global level. I thought to myself that maybe working as a global mental health lead at UNICEF would be my calling, and the more I got into this master's program, the more driven I felt to pursue this career. Growing up as a neurodivergent individual, I became very aware of how fragmented our mental health system is. I realized that people can easily fall through the cracks when systems are not built with them in mind. Mental health access is shaped by more than just awareness - it is shaped by whether someone can actually navigate the system, feel understood and trusted, and find care that fits their reality. This work ties so much to my upbringing and my identity. Being an advocate, being a leader, and taking on systems by the reins to implement policies that could help women experiencing domestic violence or abuse and bringing justice is a purpose I will never trade for the world. That is something priceless, something I feel is my life's purpose, and I am doing everything in my power to set my sights on that position and perfect my craft to uphold the responsibilities that come with it.

• Current Work & Activities Master’s student actively conducting research with hopes of publishing Involved in: MassCare (healthcare advocacy & legislation; social media team) Hope Network (mental health resource outreach and support initiative) Exploring PhD programs in social psychology or global health Interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

• Golden Key International Honor Society

• Achievements Work with MassCare and Hope Network Member of Golden Key International Honor Society Attending a Harvard public health/policy conference with global leaders

• MassCare (healthcare journalism organization
• Social media team member)
• Hope Network (behavioral mental health resource outreach program
• Volunteer)
• Former Executive Board Chair for University Muslim Student Association (outreach chair/ambassador)
• Palestine and Gaza relief fundraising
• Middle East humanitarian charity work